Dishwashing machine



April 14, 1953 I E. M. BEWEN 2,634,736

DISHWASHING MACHINE Filed Nov. 14, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet l (25 47 Y w 7g l f7 |57` Si gua l@ 7 i" 57 n E l' u INVENTOR:

FIG. 14..,4/ 12 EDWARDMBEWEN April 14, 1953 E. M. BEwl-:N 2,634,736

DISHWASHING MACHINE INVENTOR: EDWARD MBEWEN ATTORNEY.

April 14, 1953 E. M. BEWEN 2,634,736

DISHWASHING MACHINE Filed Nov. 14, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 II'TI vINVENTOR: EDWARD MBEWEN ATTORNEY.

Patented Apr. 14, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DISHWASHING MACHINE Edward M. Bewen, St. Louis, Mo.

Application November 14, 1947, Serial No. 786,068

16 Claims. 1

This invention relates to dishwashing machines of an improved character, and in which washing, rinsing and drying operations may be carried out easily and without danger of breakage.

One/of the important objects of the present invention is to provide a low cost and simply constructed dishwashing apparatus which is fully capable of eifecting a thorough washing, rinsing, and drying of dishes and the like, and in which the several phases of its operation may be easily determined and regulated.

Another important object of this invention is particularly embodied in an improved fluid pumping and circulating system and in a simplied a1- rangement of controls therefor, the pumping system hereof being provided with fluid moving means of a high-speed and relatively low lift type which is capable of circulating a liquid and air and is of a self-priming character. A further object of the invention resides in the combination of the uid moving means and an improved arrangement of fluid reservoirs and flow directing means for selectively determining the washing and rinsing operations of the apparatus, such flow directing means being comprised of parts and elements which constitute portions of the structure of the apparatus, whereby to enable the attainment of a compact assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to be found in the provision of improved means for supporting the dishes within a closed chamber, and in the further improvement of a removable dish supporting basket having provisions for accommodating a variety of large and small dishes or the like and for maintaining such objects in position to be fully bathed by the washing and rinsing fluids and by the drying medium, such as air.

Other objects hereof are to be found in the greatly simplified construction, assembly and general compact arrangement of the apparatus such as will result in attainment of the most satisfactory dishwashing results.

It is to be understood that only the presently preferred dishwashing apparatus will be described in detail, and that undue limitations and restrictions are not to be imposed thereon in view of the accompanying drawing disclosure, where- Fig. 1 is an elevational view of the dishwashing apparatus as the same would appear in assembly and as seen from one side;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to that of the preceding figure, but showing the apparatus from one end;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged elevational view of the dishwasher, showing broken and sectional details of the assembly as seen at line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a plan view in section and so seen at line 4-4 of Fig. 3, there being portions broken away to show further details;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to that of Fig. 4 but taken at line 5--5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a view in sectional elevation of a part of the fluid circulating and reservoir system as may be seen at line 66 of Fig. 5;

Fig. '7 is a further View in sectional elevation of another portion of the fluid circulating system as seen at line 1-1 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary and enlarged elevational view of a iiuid valve means as may be seen at line 3 8 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged, transverse view in section of the fluid pumping means as seen at line 9-9 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged detailed view of a fluid discharge orifice shown in connection with Figs. 3 and 9;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the spring type, frictional restraining means utilized in connection with the fluid pump casing or shroud;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the dish receiving and supporting basket herein preferred;

Fig. 13 is a perspective View of a typical half cover member for the apparatus, and in which a portion of the top wall is broken away to show the position of fluid deflector means therebeneath, and

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view in plan of the iiuid control Valve means utilized in the circulating system of the present apparatus, and as may be seen at line III-I4 of Fig. 3.

Referring in particular to Figs. 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawing, the preferred embodiment of the dishwashing apparatus may be seen to include an upright frame structure of rectangularly formed, hollow posts 9 and I0 joined at their upper ends by a suitably formed bridge member I I having its central portion I2 enlarged to provide a recess for the mounting of a motor I3. The lower ends of the hollow posts 9 and I9 are structurally united by a tie bar or strap I4 (Figs. 1, 3 and 5), in conjunction with a pair of plate elements I5 which are secured to and disposed transversely of the strap I4 and in position to close the respective posts at a zone above the lower ends thereof. The frame structure also includes a pair of semi-circular fender or guard wall portions I6 and I1 which extend between and are disposed on opposite sides of the frame posts 9 and ||`|V and are secured thereto as by welding or the like. These fender portions have stiiening beads or rolled portions along the lower and upper margins, and each thereof carries a foot element 20 which is adjustably mounted to provide a means whereby the apparatus may be placed in a level position on a supporting surface, the lower end of post 9 most remote from these elements 25 being usually the third point of support. The semi-circular guard walls I and are further strengthened by means of a brace plate 2| (Fig. 5) extending therebetween and transversely to and somewhat above the tie bar I4 between the posts 9 and I0. The opposite ends of this plate 2| are of reduced section relative to its center portion, and are fastened to the respective guards by suitable angle brackets 22.

The above described casing structure or frame assembly is intended to provide a substantially rigid and integral structure of light weight character. Half cover members 23, one of which is shown in perspective in Fig. 13, are formed of sheet metal and take the form of semi-circular members, each having an integral or separately formed and attached top wall 24 and also having an inner brace element 25 which is formed and positioned such that it will have a close fit at the matching face portion 25 (Fig. 3) provided at the side of the bridge member Each of these covers 23 is further formed with a stiffening bead adjacent its lower margin and above a depending ange 2 which has a sliding fit within the upper beaded or rolled margin of the guard wall portions IS and whereby the flange serves to retain the covers in` position with the respective stiiening beads in abutment. This sliding lit of the cover flange 25 will serve to hold the cover snugly against the frame posts 9 and i3 in conjunction with the interlocking fit of the brace 25 in the upturned ange 28 formed at the side of the bridge I| such that escape of the washing iluids from the interior dish-receiving chamber 29 of the apparatus is prevented. Either of the covers 23 is easily remo-vable for loading and unloading of the dish-receiving chamber and each is provided with a suitable hand grip in the form of a recess 3U pressed into the side wall, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 13. Each half cover member 23 is further provided at the under surface of the top 24 with one or more deilector elements I9 (two being shown in Fig. 13) which are arcuate in form and serve to direct a portion of the liquid toward the rear surfaces of the dishes placed in the chamber 2S. Further reference will be made to this presently.

Turning now to Figs. 3, 5 and 6, the lower portion of the casing structure or frame, particularly that portion enclosed by the semi-circular fender members I6 and encloses a fluid reservoir and now controlling assembly. A rst reservoir of open top character is indicated at 3| and is of elongate rectangular form to extend between the frame posts 9 and l0 in welded securement. One end of the reservoir 3| has an inlet connection with the interior of one of the frame posts I0, this connection being shown at 32 in the right hand portion of Fig. 5. Adjacent the fluid flow or inlet connector means 32, there is provided a iluid iiow selector means which comprises an elongate tubular member or conduit 33 open at one end to the interior of the adjacent hollow post IU and open at its opposite end to the reservoir 3|. Intermediate the ends of the conduit 33 there is provided a branch ilow orifice '34 of short length which opens through a side wall of the reservoir 3| to the interior of a second reservoir 3, also of open top character. The latter reservoir 35 is secured to reservoir 3| and to the inside of the fender member I6 whereby such wall surfaces may serve as wall portions thereof. As an aid to the further support of each of the reservoirs 3| and 35, suitable upper marginal ilanges are formed thereon and rivet connections are made from these ilanges to the brace plate 2| thereabove. In addition to these reservoirs, there is provided a drain pan or sump 36 (Fig. 5) adjacent the reservoir 3| and on the opposite side thereof from reservoir 35. This drain pan 36 is suitably dished to cause fluid flow toward a drain discharge tube 31 projecting through the fender member at a zone adjacent the post I5.

Provision for admitting iluid to the reservoirs 3| and 35 is clearly indicated in connection with Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5. It will be observed that the post |11 has a iiller opening or port 40 which is closed by a snap-on cover 4| when the washer is not in use. The ller port opens to the interior of post I5 and is of a size suicient to communicate with a pair of inlet chambers 42 and 43, closed at the bottom by element l5 and separated by a common divider wall 44 such that the chamber 42 communicates with the inlet means 32 for reservoir 3| and chamber 43 oommunioates with the inlet end of the ow tube or conduit33 positioned within reservoir 3 Chamber 42 is provided with a drain plug 45 to enable the reservoir to be emptied of its fluid and flushed out periodically. The adjacent chamber 43 has a valve control rod 46 extending therethrough from an exteriorly located control lever 4l, and this rod passes into the flow tube 33 for connection beyond the branch oriiice 34 with a rotary type selector valve 5|! (Figs. 5, 6 and 14). Valve 50 comprises a sleeve 5| open at each end and divided intermediate the ends by a diagonally disposed baille element 52. The sleeve is also perforated at 53 and 54 on diametrically opposed sides of the baiile element 52 whereby on rotation of the valve sleeve 5| substantially onehalf turn from its position (Fig. 14) where port 53 communicates with a valve outlet conduit 55 directed tangentially of the tube 33, the port 54 may be brought into flow communication with this outlet conduit 55. Selector valve 5|! thus is intended to place the reservoir 3| in communication with the outlet conduit pipe 55 while perventing any communication between this outlet pipe and the reservoir 35, and conversely to place reservoir 35 in communication with pipe 55 while closing on reservoir 3|. Fig. 14 illustrates the rst mentioned valve setting, and inspection of Figs. 2 and 5 will indicate that the valve control lever 4'1 is directed vertically upwardly to show how the valve is set. Turning of the control lever 4'1 to a down position will change the valve setting so that portV 54 opens to the outlet pipe 55 to direct iuid from reservoir 35 through the tube 33 to the outlet, while preventing uid flow from the reservoir 3|. The Views of Figs. 5 and 14 show the selector valve 55 set to a position in which the reservoir 3| is supplying liquid, it being noted thatv a washing liquid is contained therein.

VAs shown in Figs. 3 and 6, the outlet pipe 55 is directed upwardly in reservoir 3| and is received in and held by a sleeve bracket 56, the latter being riveted or otherwiseV attached to the brace plate 2|. The upper end of the pipe 55 projects through the bracket 56 and is threadedly connected internally of a spacer sleeve fitting 51, in turn, threadedly receiving a suction pipe 58 which passes upwardly through the center of the washing chamber 29 to a pump assembly, later to be detailed. It may be noted here that the outlet pipe 55 for the selector valve assembly 50 forms a suction fitting at the lower end of the suction pipe 58 and together these pipes constitute a suction conduit selectively connectable with reservoir 3| containing wash liquid or reservoir 35 containing rinse liquid, depending upon the rotational setting of the valve sleeve 5|.

The bottom of the washing chamber 29 is dened by a ccnically formed drain board 69 having a central aperture 6| to receive the suction pipe 58. The drain board 69 slopes downwardly in all directions from this central aperture, and its outer circumferential margin or lip 62 is bent or turned downwardly (Fig. 7) to provide an annular drain opening 63 adjacent the inner side of the fender members I 6 and I1, and at the diametrically opposite frame posts 9 and IU. An inverted conically formed plate or brace element 54, shown in Fig. 3, is positioned to support and stiffen the central area of the drain board 68 and this brace is welded to the board 60 and rests upon the lower ilanged end of the spacer sleeve 51. Drain opening 63 communicates with an annular trough or gutter 65 (Figs. 3 and 7) formed with its outer wall r66 secured to the lnner side of the fender member I6 and |1 and the posts 9 and |0. The gutter 65 has a vbottom wall 81 which extends beneath the drain board lip 62 to an upturned inner wall 58, the margin of the latter wall being flanged at 69 for added strength. Additionally, the gutter flange 69 acts as a support for the drain board 60 through the interposition of an annular and corrugated ring 10 secured beneath the rim Zone of the drain board 60 such that the corrugations thereof provide vent passages 1| leading from the top of the gutter 65 to the space inwardly thereof and under the apex zone of the drain board which is freely open to the exterior of the apparatus by way of the .lower margins of the fender members |6 and I1.

Fluid running into the annular gutter 65 will be divided by and directed toward Zones adjacent each of the frame posts 9 and I9 by the predetermined slope of the gutter from diametrically opposite high zones which are located substantially 90 degrees from the posts 9 and I9. Thus the fluid running off the drain board 68 will be divided into substantially two equal volumes which will .then flow in the oppositely sloped portions of the gutter 65 toward the opposite posts 9 and I0. In conjunction with this division of the drain iiuid, the inner gutter wall 69 is suitably apertured at zones adjacent the opposite ends of the reservoir 3| to provide a plurality of pairs of flow return ports 13. A pair of these ports 13 have been clearly shown adjacent post 9 in Fig. 4 and it is to be understood that a similar pair will be provided diametrically opposed thereto and adjacent post l0. Spaced a suitable angular distance to one side of the ports 13, a second pair of flow return ports 14 are formed in the gutter wall 68 to open to the reservoir 35, and diametrically opposite these ports 14 are provided an additional pair of ports 15 which open over the drain pan or sump 36 shown in Fig. 4.

These several pairs or flow return ports are adapted to be controlled by a swingable arm havlng a valve assembly at its opposite ends. The arm is constituted by an inverted channel mem- 6 ber 8|) (Figs. 3, 4 and '1) which pivots at its center about the upper end of the pipe 55 adjacent the flanged end of the spacer sleeve 51.

Since each valve assembly carried at the respec- Y tive end portions of the arm is substantially identical, it will be understood that like numerals of reference will apply to the similar and equivalent parts of both such valve assemblies. Accordingly, the description of the valve structure shown in Figs. 4, 7 and 8 will be typical of each such assembly. The end of the inverted channel arm adjacent frame post 9 is closed by a wall element 8| in which an aperture is formed for slidably receiving a valve stem 82. The rearward end of the stem 82 passes through a plate 83 fixed to the arm 80 in spaced relation with the wall element 8|. A compression spring 84 encircles the stem shank and the opposite ends respectively abut the plate 83 and a flat collar 85 fixed to the stem shank. Thus, the stem 82 is constantly urged outwardly of the end Wall 8| such that its rounded tip will seat in a suitable indentation or socket 86 provided in the rear surface of a valve plate or shoe 81. Valve plate 81 is formed or curved to match the circular contour of the gutter wall 68 and carries a suitable valve element 88 at its front face, the element 88 being formed from a rubberized fabric or the like. The plate 81 and valve element 88 are elongated parts, for the purpose of effecting a closure at each of the pair of ports 13, or the pair of ports 14 and 15 when moved from the position shown in Fig. 4. In order to maintain the valve arm 80 in proper vertical alignment with the ports in the gutter wall 68, clipelements 89 are xed on the upper surface of the arm to project over and slide upon the upper surface of the flange 69 on gutter wall 68. Actuation of the valve arm 80 is effected by means of a control lever 92 which is attached to one side of the arm at the foot plate 93 (Fig. 4). The outer end of the lever extends through an elongate slot 94 in the fender member I6, the length of the slot determining the extent of angular or swinging movement of the arm such that the respective valve elements 88 may be shifted from closure of ports 13 to closure of ports 14 and 15.

Turning now to Figs. 3Y and 12, there is shown a dish holding basket 95 formed of suitable guage wire to afford a substantially rigid support. It is preferred that the basket 95 be formed with an outer circular frame portion 9B, an inner and substantially concentrically positioned frame portion 91, and plurality of radially directed and interconnecting frame elements 98 upon which a plurality of rollers 99 are mounted to support and permit easy, rolling movement on the drain board while the basket is being turned for loading and unloading. The basket 95, when positioned in chamber 29, has its frame 91 relatively closely tting about the vertical suction pipe 58, and it is to be noted that the frame portions 98 and 91 are so formed as to be capable of `being parted at a common radial zone to enable insertion or removal of the basket. The view of Fig. 12 illustrates the basket 95 as the same appears when the inner and outer frame portions 96 and 91 are sprung open to provide the necessary radial channel way as defined by and between the Vertical frame elements. Normally the resiliency of the frame wire will act to maintain the frame elements 99in close adjacence. In cooperation with the inner frame 91 and the outer frame 96, there is provided a pair of loosely mounted intermediate frames |80 and |6| which may assume positions eccentric to the inner and outer frames for accommodation of various large and small dishes and the like. Each of these intermediate framesv and |0| is capable of being sprung to an open position (Fig. 12) whereby to pass the suction pipe 58 when inserting or removing the basket assembly 05. This latter feature is clearly shown in Fig. 12, and in addition the larger frame |00 of the intermediate pair is provided at its upper margin or rim with a series .of upstanding prongs |02 which act to prevent the larger dishes from falling inwardly7 to blanket smaller dishes which are usually set toward the center of the basket.

The operative mounting of the basket 95 is shown in Fig. 3, and it will be observed. that a trash screen or refuse collecting meshed member |03' is positioned over the bottom area of the basket to holdA back bits of food andthe like which otherwise would be carried into the fluid circulating system of the machine. This screen |03 is placed in proper position between the inner and outer frames 91 and 95 respectively prior to insertion of the loosely disposed intermediate frames |00 and 10|.

Particular references will now be made to Figs. 3, 9, and ll for an understandingV of the construction, assembly and operation of the fluid circulating pump which is driven'by the electric motor means i3 previously noted. Electrical power for the motor |3 is supplied by the cord |04 in circuit association with a toggle type start and stop switch |05 set in the bridge H with its actuating arm |06 projecting through the top Wall, and a pair of safety switches |01, one only being indicated in. Fig. 3. The safety switches |01 cooperate with and automatically open the power supply circuit to the motor |3 when either cover member 23 is removed or improperly positioned. Thus the machine cannot be operated until both half covers 23 are in place, regardless of the setting of the toggle' switch |05.

The fluid pump preferred for use in this dishwasher may be described as. embodying an impeller member of a high speed and low lift type which is capable of moving either a relatively high density fluid such as liquid with air entrained in the liquid column, or a relatively low density fluid, as air alone. This is of particular advantage in a dishwasher, as it enables the use of one pump assembly for the dual purpose of circulating the washing and` rinsing uids, and of circulating air for drying. The importance of this dual function will appear presently.

Motor I3 is positioned with its drivev shaft H0 v projecting below the bottom wall of the frame bridge H to receive the hub III of the Vane type impeller member H2, there first being mounted over the shaft a wave type plate spring H3 (Fig. 11) and the cover plate H4 of the impeller housing H5. Housing H5 is preferably formed with a bottom wall H6 having a central aperture IT which opens to the suction eye of the pump impeller, and side wall portions |20 o f arcuate form and eccentrically positioned with respect to the pump axis, thereby dening a plurality of circumferentially spaced and substantially tangentially opening outlet orices |2 The present embodiment (Fig. 9) is provided with three side wall portions |20 which define in the zones of their adjacent and overlapping edges the outlet orifices 2 Each of the outlet orices is provided with a plurality of baffle elements |22 (three being shown) welded in place and extending transversely' of` the vertical axis of the orice such that the outwardly directed baie lip portions maybe bent or turned up or down relative to the general horizontal setting of the housing for directing the discharging uid stream in desired directions within the chamber 29 of the machine. The upper margins of the housing wall portions |20 are integrally connected by a horizontally'directed ange ring |23 having seating engagement in a cover recess |24. This flange ring |23 has an outward lip |25 which is adapted to be engaged and centered by at least three hanged roller elements |26, each roller being removably and adjustably carried in the underwall of the bridge Il by the screw element |27. Roller flange |28 engages the housing ring flange lip 25 but is set to permit rotary movement of the housing H5 to the extent determined by the frictional resistance imposed thereon by the wave type plate spring H3.

The rotation of the housing H5 is induced by the drag of the fluid on the internal surfaces and by the thrust reaction of the iuid impinging on the baffle elements |22 at the discharge orices l2 Thus the housing H5 will tend to approach the speed and direction of rotation of the impeller H2, but some external resistance to this rotation is desirable for reducing the speed of the housing and thereby gaining a uid discharge velocity of the proper degree for best results in washing. While the wave type spring H3 has proved to be a very satisfactory means for giving the correct degree of resistance to housing rotation, it will be appreciated that other means may be utilized for the same purpose. For example, the spring H3 can be eliminated and the rollers |26 properly set and adjusted to impose sufficient frictional resistance to housing rotation. Therefore I do not wish to be limited to the specific means shown except as it may be necessary to indicate the presence of frictional type means for reducing the rotational velocity of the pump housing H5.

In the course of assembly of the pump parts above detailed, the upper end of the suction pipe 58 rising through the center of the chamber 20 is provided with an adjustable and threaded sleeve extension element |30 which passes into the inlet aperture H1 and opens to the eye or suction zone of the impeller H2. This extension element is held in place by the lock ring I3I. A further means for supporting the housing H5 is provided by the positionment of a split. collar |32 about the sleeve element |30 in conjunction with a suitable sealing ring washer |33 adjacent the housing aperture H1. The suction pipe 58 is provided with a tool engaging boss |34 to enable the pipe to be held during threading adjustment of the sleeve element |30, and to enable mounting of the pipe in its lower supporting sleeve 57.

The desired operation of the present high speed and low lift pump impeller is materially and importantly realizedv through the provision of a plurality of restricted orifices or breather holes 35 opening to the suction pipe 55 in the upper zone of reservoir 3| and preferably at thek collar 56 (Figs. 3 and 6). The location of these holes |35 is determined by the fact that a maximum quantity of fluid is desired in reservoir 3| and that at no time must they be covered by the `-v liquid therein, since submergence thereof will simply prevent effective uid ow upwardly in conduit 58. The presence of these holes |35 above the greatest possible depth of iluid in reservoir- 3| enables the entrainment at all times of a suicient volume of air to accomplish automatic operation of the pump when liquid is to be circulated by aeration of the column of the liquid being moved upwardly through the suction pipe 58. In this manner, a highly turbulent mixture of air and liquid is brought to the impeller and a most satisfactory solution has been found whereby to enable circulation selectively of a liquid medium and a gaseous medium by the use of a single pump installation.

In its initial fluid pumping action, the impeller member ||2 will create a sufficient vacuum in the suction conduit 58, aided by the sealing ring |33, to lift or cause an initial rise of the fluid into the conduit to a level above the restricted breather holes |35. This is followed by the inflow of air at these holes, such air automatically mingling with the uid to create a highly turbulent mass in which the said uid column is thoroughly broken up and conditioned to flow rapidly into the impeller vanes. The theory of operation of the present pump will be better appreciated when it is realized that the maximum obtainable suction effect at the eye of the im- 'Y peller ||2 is limited by the number of orifices |2| in the peripheral walls |20, of the housing ||5. This suction effect is directly related with the weight of the medium to be moved through the conduit 58. When the medium is relatively heavy, as in the case of liquid such as water, the gravitational and frictional resistance to its flow upwardly in the conduit 58 toward the impeller ||2 is sufficient to induce leakage or eddy losses at the impeller housing through the discharge crices |2|. When the medium is relatively light, as air, the resistance to its flow in the conduit 58 is materially reduced and little or no pump eddy losses are induced so that the maximum suction effect of the impeller is available. Therefore, this dual purpose, high speed pump may be described as one having low lift characteristics, especially when it is required to move a liquid. The provision of the breather holes |35 constitutes an important feature of the pump system, as it enables the admixture of a lighter medium with the liquid to reduce the weight of the latter to a point such that its resistance to the pump suction effect is reduced.

The effect of these holes |35 is to enable the introduction of a limited but desired volume of air into the liquid being sucked up bythe pump to reduce the weight of the liquid so lifted 'to an extent enabling its flow into the pump. The entrained air and liquid, upon reaching the pump, is then blown out of the pump casing orices with the correct force.

The operation of the present dishwashing machine will now be described, but no specific reference will be made to the loading and unloading of the chamber 29 except to state that with the half cover members 23 properly assembled the starting switch |05 in the motor circuit will be conditioned to supply current to motor |3. Prior to starting the motor I3, the filling cap 4| on frame post l 0 is removed and a hot detergent solution is poured into the filling chamber 42 to ill the reservoir 3| with the proper volume of washing fluid. This volume of washing iiuid is easily ascertained by the fact that the top edge of the divider wall 54 and the lower edge of the filler port 40 are located at a zone just below the planar location of the breather holes |35 in the pipe 55 and collar 56. The maximum level of the washing fluid in reservoir 3|, when the machine is properly leveled by adjustment of foot elements 20, is indicated by the dashed line identified by the reference character L in Figs. 3 and 6. When filling with the detergent washing fluid or any other suitable uid, valve lever 41 is rst turned to its up position indicated by the letter W stamped or painted on the frame post Il) vas in Fig. 2, and this lever setting will condition the sleeve valve 5| for ow connection with the reservoir 3| and the suction pipe 55 as illustrated in Fig. 14. At the same time, the valve lever 92 projecting from the slot 94 in fender member |6 must be moved to its wash setting, that is from the position of Fig. 4 to the end of the slot marked W in which position the arm 8|] carrying the valve means 88 will be shifted to a position clockwise of that shown in Fig. 4 whereby the drain ports 'M leading from the gutter 65 to reservoir 35, and the ports 15 opening above the drain pan 36 will be closed. This then opens the ports 'i3 at each end of the reservoir 3| in the gutter 55. The pump motor I3 may now be energized by throwing the toggle lever |06 to its on position. Operation of the pump will lift the hot washing fluid through the suction conduit 58, entraining air at breather holes |3'5 to break up the high-density character of the liquid column, and effect its ow into the housing I5 and rapid discharge at the several orifices |2| in the housing. The liquid discharge action at the orifices will generate a reactionary or rotating movement of the housing 5 in the direction of pump vane movement and thereby thoroughly distribute a liquid spray over the entire area of chamber 23, such spray sweeping across and cascading downwardly over the dishes in basket 55 with sufcient force to dislodge food particles and thoroughly cleanse the same. A part of this spray will be defiected by the arcuate means I9 in the top of the covers 23 to reach the rear surfaces of the outermost dishes. Once the liquid traverses the zone of the dishes, it will be directed outwardly by the slope of the drain board 6B to collect in the gutter 65 and flow toward the oppositely located pairs of ports 13 for return to the reservoir 3| and recirculation as above noted. Obviously, electrical type heating units (not shown) may be placed under the reservoir 3| to maintain the temperature of the washing liquid as it is constantly circulated through the chamber 29. Since al1 of the wash liquid is returnable to the reservoir 3|, at its opposite ends, the washing phase or cycle of the machine may be continued as long as desired.

During the time the machine is set to circulate the washing fluid, a volume of clear rinse water may be introduced to the filler chamber 43 through port 40, and this water will flow through the conduit 33 and branch orifice 34 to reservoir 35, its fiow to the suction pipe 55 being prevented by the setting of the valve baie 52 (Fig. 14) Too great a quantity of rinse water cannot be collected in reservoir 35 as the excess will run over the lower edge of iilling port 4|) to the exterior of the machine. When the washing phase of the operation is completed, the washing liquid may be drained to waste by removal of the plug 45 positioned in the lower portion of the filling chamber 132, and the plug being replaced after the system has emptied itself. Following this, the lever ll is turned to the rinse" or down position indicated by the letter R on post |0 (Fig. 2) and the lever 92 is also required to be moved to the opposite end or rinse position of the slot 96 which is that end marked R. Lever 41 rom Y Y p tates the valve sleeve l to place the inner zone of the tube 33 and suction pipe 55 in communication. Lever 92 shifts the valve arm 80 to the position shown in Fig. 4 and thereby opens ports 14 to reservoir 35 and ports 15 to the drain pan 36 while closing the opposed pairs of ports 13 at the ends of the reservoir 3l. The pump will now draw the rinse water from reservoir 35 and spray the same throughout chamber 29 for rinsing the dishes in what may be termed a ilrst rinse cycle. During the rinse water circulation, the column of water in suction conduit 53 will entrain air admitted at the breather holes |35 to result in the action previously described.

The first cycle or rinsing operation of the machine is, by reason of the oppositely sloped portions of gutter B5, conditioned to discharge a substantial portion (approximately one-half) of the water to the drain 36 for flow through the waste pipe 3l, while the remainder flows to the reservoir 35 by way of the ports Id in gutter wall 68 for recirculation to the chamber 29. The volume of liquid available for recirculation will then be further diminished in a like manner until the remaining or residual liquid is insuilicient to be lifted by the pump. A second rinsing cycle can be initiated by refilling reservoir 35 with clear water, and it is to be preferred at this time that a supply of rinse water at the filler port 49 be maintained by means of a hose connected from a convenient water tap, and to regulate the rate of the replenishing supply such that a full volume of rinse liquid can be maintained despite the flow to drain of a portion thereof, and such that little or no spill over will occur at this filler port. The division of the rinse water between that which is run off at the drain pipe 3'! and that which is recirculated is effected by the predetermined slope given the gutter 65 at zones spaced substantially 90 degrees from each of the frame posts 9 and I0. The second mentioned rinsing phase of the operation may be continued as long as desired, or until the drain water runs clear.

Having lnow completed the Washing and rinsing phases, the water supply is cut off and after a time the remaining water Vin the system will not be sumcient to fill the suction pipe 58 thereby terminating the liquid pumping action of the pump. Thereafter the pump will circulate a high velocity stream ofiair taken through the tube A33 from the space defined by reservoir 35, and from the filler chamber 43. This air will be discharged into the Vchamber 29 for circulation upon and around the dishes to evaporate the moisture. The moisture laden air is then exhaused by way of the gutter 65 where it will pass out to atmosphere by way of the plurality of vents l! formed in and by the corrugated ring lil 'at the under margin of the drain board (Fig. 7). The air circulation may be continued until the dishes in the basket S5 have ydried suiiciently to warrant their removal without further attention. This additional step of air drying of the dishes is thought to be particularly novel and important. The usual dishwashing machines make no provision for drying and thus require a separate wiping operation after the machine is unloaded. Moreover, the prior machines do not permit efficient or rapid drying of the dishes, if they are allowed to remain in the machine, since the heat and moisture remaining after the washing and rinsing steps is not conducive to any great degree of drying action. On the other hand, the present dishwasher embodies provisions for drying by the forced circulation of a large volume of relatively high velocity air which will effect a rapid and most sat` isfactory drying step, thereby enabling the entire dish washing operation to be completed with little or no additional bother to the user of the machine.

It should be noted that the present dual-purpose centrifugal pump and uid-dispersing pump housing, are of particular advantage in a portable machine. Such unit provides a large volume air flow for drying, and since it displaces an air-liquid mixture, will handle an adequate volume of such mixture either for washing or rinsing.

The foregoing descriptive detail of structure, assembly and operation of the presently preferred dishwashing machine is believed to be fully informative of the essential and important characteristics of the machine. The disclosure here given should not be taken as limiting the same to the precise details, since it is within the spirit and intent of the invention that certain modifications, alterations, and substitutions of equivalent parts, sub-assemblies and the like may be m-ade herein, and the same is to be included in the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A dishwasher comprising a frame structure having spaced post members and a bridge member extending therebetween, cover members positionable at opposite sides of said frame structure to form a dish-receiving chamber therewith, a drainboard carried by said frame structure and arranged with its margins spaced therefrom and from said cover members to provide a drain opening from the chamber, a iluid reservoir positioned between said post members, fluid collecting means communicating with said reservoir and positioned to receive fluid flowing from said drainboard through the marginal drain opening, one of said post members being formed to provide ya fluid lling chamber in communication with said reservoir to enable initial filling thereof, a suction conduit communicating with said reservoir and extending into the dish-receiving chamber, and fluid pump means supplied from the suction conduit for drawing fluid from said reservoir for dispersal throughout the chamber thereby resulting in return flow by drainage to said collecting means for recirculation from said reservoir.

2. A dishwasher comprising a casing structure having a dish-receiving chamber therein, a drainboard positioned in said chamber, a fluid reservoir below the dish-receiving chamber and drainboard, fluid collecting means disposed below said drainboard for directing fluid draining from the latter and from the dish-receiving chamber into said reservoir, uid circulating means located in said chamber above the drainboard, and a suction conduit extending from said reservoir into said circulating means, said conduit having restricted orices opening thereto for ingress of air whereby to aid in the flow of fluid from said resservoir toward said circulating means.

3. A dishwasher comprising a casing structure providing a dish-receiving chamber, drainboard means defining the bottom of the chamber and forming with the casing a fluid drain opening, fluid collecting gutte` means located below the fluid drain opening, a fluid reservoir having communication with said gutter means, fluid circulating means positioned in said dish-receiving chamber, and a suction conduit between said resservoir and fluid circulating means, said conduit being provided with a plurality of restricted openings located above the liquid level in said reservoir whereby the column of iiuid rising in the conduit upon operating yof the circulating means is co-mingled with air entering at said openings to form a turbulent mass ofair and uid capable of rapid iiowv to said circulating means for discharge to the dish-receiving chamber.

4. In a dishwasher, the combination of a casing structure providing a dish-receiving chamber, pump means located in the chamber and including discharge means opening to the chamber, a suction conduit connected with said pump means, a plurality of liquid reservoirs located below said chamber, one of said reservoirs being adapted to receive a charge of a washing liquid and another thereof a charge of a rinsing liquid, liquid flow means adapted to connect said reservoirs with said suction conduit including a valve operably positioned therein and arranged for selective positionment whereby washing liquid and rinsing liquid are separately admitted to the suction conduit during yoperation of said pump means, and the suction conduit being formed to aid in the flow and enhance lift of liquid to the pump means, said suction conduit being provided for such purpose with an air inlet at a zone free of liquid immersion whereby air may enter and be entrained in the column Iof liquid moving to said pump means.

5. In a dishwasher, the combination of a casing structure providing a dish-receiving chamber, a pair of liquid reservoirs in said casing structure, said casing structure providing a pair of lling chambers and a filling port opening from the exterior thereof to said chambers, one 4of said filling chambers having direct communication with one of said reservoirs, a liquid flow directing conduit communicating with the other of said filling chambers and extending into said one reservoir, a branch conduit opening between said flow directing conduit and the other of said reservoirs, a suction conduit extending into said dish-receiving chamber and having a connection with said flow directing conduit, pump means located in said dish-receiving chamber and acting to draw liquid through said suction conduit for discharge throughout the latter chamber, and valve means operably disposed in said flow directing conduit for selectively establishing liquid flow communication from one of said reservoirs to said suction conduit.

6. In a dishwasher, the combination of a casing structure defining a dish-receiving chamber, a pair of liquid reservoirs in said casing structure, one of said reservoirs having a lling port opening to the exterior of the casing structure, liquid flow selector means positioned in said one reservoir, said means including a flow conduit at one end to the exterior of the casing structure and opening intermediate its ends to the other of said reservoirs, and a valve operably disposed in the opposite end Zone of said conduit, a suction conduit connected with said ow conduit adjacent said valve and extending into the dish-receiving chamber, pump means having its inlet in communication with said suction conduit, and means for operating said valve whereby liquid from either of said reservoirs may be selected for flow into said now conduit and to said suction conduit past said valve.

7. A dishwasher comprising, in combination, a casing structure providing a chamber adapted to receive dishes to be washed, rinsed and dried, drainboard means defining the bottom of the chamber and arranged to provide a peripheral fluid drain opening, iiuid collecting gutter means located below the peripheral drain opening and formed with an inner wall portion having a plurality of spaced ports opening therethrough, a rst reservoir for wash fluid carried by said structure and located to communicate with certain of said spaced ports, a second reservoir for rinse fluid carried by said structure and located to communicate with others of said spaced parts. fluid circulating means in said structure including a pump in an upper portion of the dish chamber and a suction conduit directed to the pump and supplied from the reservoirs one at a time, being so arranged and constructed to draw fiuid from said reservoirs for discharge to the chamber and iiow into said gutter means through said peripheral drain opening, said circulating means further including a selector valve operable to permit fluid flow from one of said reservoirs while preventing such ow from the other thereof, valve means operably arranged to control said plurality of spaced ports such that fluid collecting in said gutter means is directed to flow toward said one reservoir for recirculation and is prevented from iiow to said other reservoir, and means for draining both the wash and rinse uids from the reservoirs whereby said pump, during continued operation, is free to draw air through said suction conduit for discharge to the chamber and rlow over the dishes therein to effect a drying action.

8. A dishwasher comprising in combination, a

chambered casing structure for receiving a load of dishes to be washed, rinsed and dried, separate reservoir means respectively containing separate washing and 'rinsing liquids, a suction conduit extending into the casing chamber and communicating with one of said reservoirs, rst valve means located adjacent the suction end of said conduit and operable in a manner separately to effect a connection with said washing and rinsing liquid reservoirs for flow of the selected liquid to said conduit, pump means of high-speed char'- acter communicating with said conduit and adapted to discharge fluid into the chamber, a liquid drain sump having a drain opening to the exterior of said casing structure, means constructed and arranged to collect the liquid discharged to and passing through the chamber, said liquid collecting means providing separate ports opening to each of said reservoirs and to said sump, and second valve means cooperating with the ports in said collecting means and movable between a position effective to direct the washing liquid to its said reservoir, and a position to direct the rising liquid to its said reservoir and to said sump simultaneously, said second valve means being effective, when conditioned to permit re-ciroulation of rinsing liquid by said pump means, to permit a progressive reduction in the volume of rinsing liquid by its ow to said drain sump, whereby the liquid suction action of said pump means is gradually brought to an end and thereafter a high velocity volume of air is circulated into the chamber for dish drying acber with its drive shaft projecting into said chamber, a uid displacement device in the chamber, driven by the motor shaft, a liquid receiving reservoir positioned below the chamber, and a combined liquid and air suction conduit opening at one end to the liquid in said reservoir and connected at its opposite end to the displacement device, said conduit being yprovided with an air inlet passage that is considerably smaller than the cross section of said conduit.

l0. In a portable dishwasher assembly, a frame structure providing spaced posts and a bridge member therefor, xed enclosure members carried by said posts, removable covers engaging said fixed members and abutting said posts and bridge member at the opposite sides thereof to form an enclosing chamber for dishes, a motor operated impeller dependingly carriedY centrally of said bridge member, a liquid reservoir on said frame structure, a conduit extending between said reservoir and impeller, said removable covers each being substantially semi-cylindrical in form, and the posts and bridge member being relatively narrow, whereby upon removal of the covers, free access is had to all parts of the dish chamber and impeller, from either side of the assembly.

11. In a dishwasher, a frame structure providing spaced posts and a bridge member, fender means xed between and at opposite sides of said posts, removable covers engageable with said fender means and at opposite sides of said posts and bridge member to form a chamber for dishes, liquid reservoir means at the lower portion of said frame structure, a motor operated liquid spraying pump carried by said bridge member, and depending therefrom into the chamber for dishes, a liquid conduit connected between said reservoir and pump. and liquid deector means located peripherally of an upper portion of each removable cover, and so positioned to direct liquid sprayed by said pump downwardly in said chamber.

12. In a dishwasher, a frame structure partly dening a chamber for dishes, removable cover means positionable on said frame structure to complete the chamber, liquid reservoir means in said frame structure below said chamber, a motor operated pump located in the upper zone of said chamber so as to discharge liquid directly upon the dishes therein, a conduit extending from said reservoir means to said pump, said conduit being provided with a restricted air inlet passage for admitting air thereto during pump operation, liquid with entrained air being sprayed into said chamber, and dei'lector means fixed to peripheral portions of said cover means for directing the liquid and air spray downwardly in said chamber.

13. In a dishwasher, the combination of a casing structure dening a dish-receiving chamber, a pair of liquid reservoirs in said casing structure, one of said reservoirs having a iilling port opening to the exterior of the casing structure, liquid flow-selector means positioned at least partly in said one reservoir, said means including a flow conduit opening at one end to the eX- terior 'of the casing structure and having an opening intermediate its ends to provide communication with the other of said reservoirs, and a valve operably disposed in the opposite end zione of said conduit, a suction conduit connected With said flow conduit adjacent said valve and extending into the dish-receiving chamber, pump means having its inlet in communication with saidv suction conduit, and means for operating 16 said valve whereby liquid from either of said reservoirs may be selected for flow to said suction conduit through said valve.

14. A dishwasher comprising a casing structure having a dish-receiving chamber therein, a drainboard positioned in said chamber, a fluid reservoir below the dish-receiving chamber and drainboard, uid collecting means disposed below said drainboard for directing fluid draining from the latter and from the dish-receiving chamber into said reservoir, fluid circulating means located in said chamber above the drainboard, a suction conduit extending from said reservoir into said circulating means, said conduit having restricted orifices opening thereto for ingress of air whereby to aid in the ilow of fluid from said reservoir toward said circulating means, and means for draining the reservoir whereby air may be drawn through the suction conduit to said circulating means for discharge to the chamber and iiow over the dishes therein to effect a drying action.

15. A dishwasher comprising. a frame structure having spaced post members and a bridge member extending therebetween, cover members positionable at opposite sides of said frame structure to form a dish-receiving chamber therewith, a drainboard carried by said frame structure and arranged with its margins spaced therefrom and said cover members to provide 'a drain opening from the chamber, a plurality of uid reservoirs positioned between said post members, uid collecting means communicating with said reservoirs and positioned to receive iuid flowing from said drainboard through the marginal drain opening, one of said post members being formed to provide a uid filling chamber in communication with one of said reservoirs to enable initial `filling thereof, a suction conduit extending into the dish-receiving chamber, means adapted to connect said reservoirs with said suction conduit including a valvev operable to permit fluid flow from one of said reservoirs while preventing such flow from the other thereof, and uid pump means supplied from the suction conduit for drawing fluid from said reservoirs one at a time for dispersal throughout the chamber thereby resulting in return ow by drainage to said co1- lecting means for recirculation from said reservoirs.

16. in a dishwasher, the combination of a casing structure providing a dish-receiving chamber, a pair of liquid reservoirs in said casing structure, said casing structure providing a pair of lling chambers and a filling port opening from the exterior thereof to said chambers, oneV of said filling chambers having direct communication with one of said reservoirs, a liquid flowdirecting conduit communicating with the other of said filling chambers and extending into said one reservoir, a branch conduit opening between said flow directing conduit and the other of said reservoirs, a suction conduit extending into said dish-receiving chamber and having a connection with said flow directing conduit, pump means located in said dish-receiving chamber, said suction conduit being provided with a restricted lair inlet passage kto aid the flow and enhance the lift of liquid to the pump means, the pump means acting to draw a mixture of liquid and air through said suction conduit for discharge throughout the latter chamber, and valve means operably disposed in said flow directing conduit for selectively establishing liquid flow communication from one of said reservoirs to said suction conduit.

EDWARD M. BEWEN.

References cited in the me of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Low et a1 Mar. 13, 1894 Murray Feb. 22, 1916 Cary et a1 Nov. 28, 1916 McCain Jan. 28, 1919 'Cornwall et al Nov. 25, 1919 Myrick Apr. 6, 1920 Crooks July 19, 1921 Vaudreuil July 22, 1924 Number 

